Study Guide - Paramount Theatre

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Letter from the Producer
Letter from Education
Welcome to the celebration!
The 7th Annual Global Party is a banquet of
dance, music, culture, and collaboration all
brought together in the beautiful historic Moore
Theatre. I hope that you get to experience the
festivity of familiar sights, sounds and discover
something inspiringly new.
Dear Educator,
This year we welcome a group that is new to
Seattle Theatre Group stages, but has been
vibrant since its members arrived in the city
in 1979; Grupo Violeta Parra. They honor, not
only their homeland, but also a woman of
great influence, Violeta Parra, who inspired
generations of Chilean musicians and dancers.
Shelton Highland Dancers and Northwest Junior
Pipeband bring you their own choreography
within the artistic standards of centuries old
Scottish customs. Look for the new and savor
the pride of the classic. Morning Star Korean
Cultural Center will bring a spring into the heart
of the Moore Theatre with their energetic and
bounding dance as well as the luscious sonic
waves of the gayageums (Korean stringed
instruments). UW DangeRAAS Dawgs light
up the stage with colorful dress and equally
shining movement from the Indian RAAS form.
Gansango Music and Dance open our eyes to
the latest from the dynamic urban streets of
contemporary Africa. Northwest Tap Connection
keeps it fresh with a piece set to music with a bit
of funk and a collaboration with some traditional
African drums. Last, but certainly not least, the
true “Carnaval” spirit is brought to life with Dora
Oliveira and Dance Brazil.
Thank you so much for making the student
matinee part of your curriculum. As an arts
administrator, I always get excited to see our
theatres filled with hundreds of students
from all parts of our region, enjoying live
performances! We will do our best to provide
you a high quality performance with a positive
experience from the moment you enter the
Moore Theatre to the moment you leave.
We hope you find this study guide useful to
prepare your students for Global Party. In
this study guide you will learn about dance
groups, choreographers and artistic team that
collaborated together to bring you this great
performance. In this guide you will also have
activities that will help your students discover
and create movement patterns by working
alone, in pairs or/and in small groups.
For questions regarding the performance
or suggestions for ways to incorporate this
performance into your classroom curriculum,
please feel free to contact me.
Please enjoy GLOBAL PARTY 2015!
Respectfully,
Marisol Sanchez-Best
Education Programs Manager
Don’t be afraid to dance in your seats or even
stand to your feet! This is a night to let your
heart be light, leave your troubles at the door,
and enjoy the celebration.
Think Global, Celebrate Local!
Sarah Loritz
Global Party Producer & STG Community
Programs Manager
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STG MISSION:
Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and
education an integral part of our region’s rich cultural
identity while keeping three landmark venues alive and
vibrant.
ABOUT EDUCATION:
Seattle Theatre Group Education and Community Programs
extend beyond The Paramount, Moore and the Neptune
Theatre stages and into the lives of the greater Seattle
community. STG offered over 475 programs last seasons
impacting 32, 948 students and community members from
diverse ages and backgrounds.
THESE PROGRAMS:
• Deepen significance to performances through
opportunities to engage with artists
• Inspire youth and local artists through training and
performance opportunities
• Provide exposure to the arts through access initiatives
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Brazilian Music & Dance
style
Brazil is a country in South America that has become
famous for the Samba, both a music and dance style.
Samba has roots in African culture, brought over when
West Africans were introduced to Latin America. As
a dance, the Samba is performed in 4/4 time, and
performed to traditional Samba music which uses
instruments such as cavaquinhos (4-string guitars), other
string instruments, and percussion instruments such as
the tamborim (Brazilian frame drum).
as presented by:
Dora Oliveira and Dance Brazil
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about the performers:
Dora Oliveira and Dance Brazil
Dora Oliveira and Dance Brazil is a highenergy Seattle-based Brazilian dance troupe
accompanied by a talented, international
ensemble of musicians playing Brazilian
rhythms that will have you moving in no
time! From the lively, celebratory “A Dança
dos Jongueiros,” a dance traditionally led by
the elders, pays tribute to a time leading up
to the end of slavery in Brazil. The favorite
among Dance Brazil’s broad repertoire of
funky, modern, and traditional movements, is
the lovely samba number, “Musas do Carnaval.”
Audiences always enjoy a spectacle of high
energy, colorful, blingtastic, cross-cultural
female sensuality. Dora Oliveira and Dance
Brazil invite you to come out and shake it!
Where can you learn more?
Check out their website: http://www.dancewithdora.com/
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style
Contemporary African Urban Dance
Traditionally, dance in Africa occurs collectively in
a community setting. It expresses the life of the
community more than the mood of the individual.
Modern African dance has evolved to include influences
from urban living and European and American cultures.
Traditionally, dancers would dance in lines or circles,
bending slightly towards the ground, using a wide stance
and with their feet flat against the Earth. When not
performed on a stage, dancers would often interact with
those watching, who participate by singing or dancing.
as presented by:
Gansango
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about the performers:
Gansango
Gansango Music & Dance draws on the
stunning talent of a multicultural group of
dancers and musicians presenting modern
and traditional dance from West Africa. The
company is directed by Etienne Cakpo from
Benin. This performance features two of the
company’s lead dancers, Kokou Al’Nuzan
Gbakénou (Togo) and Niyafath Cakpo (Benin),
presenting a medley of the hottest moves
from contemporary urban Africa. Gansango
works closely with public libraries, schools
and independent arts agencies locally and
nationally to make performance of dance and
music from Africa available to a wide range
of audiences. Kokou and Etienne teach in the
Seattle area.
Where can you learn more?
Check out their website: http://gansango.com/
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Chilean Dance
style
The cueca is the national dance of Chile, which tells the
story of a rooster and a hen. Often in Chilean Dance, male
dancers will dress up in black costumes, and the women
in flowery dresses. The cueca is often performed on
holidays, religious ceremonies, and during tournaments
in Chile. Accompanying instruments often include the
guitar, accordion, and some percussion instruments. In
some parts of Chile, a vocalist is also included.
as presented by:
Grupo Violeta Parra
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about the performers:
Grupo Violeta Parra
“Violeta Parra, Chilean Dances group,” was
created in 1979. The group was originally
formed by Chileans in exiles from the 1973
military coup. Their culture is part of South
America Native culture and the Spanish
conquerors, and so are their dances. Some are
representations of animals, rituals or economic
activities of the people such as the national
dance, “Cueca”, where the male dancer imitates
the rooster and the female, the hen, trying to
escape the courtship of the rooster. Their name
is to honor their greatest Folklorist woman,
singer, composer and researcher of Chilean
folkloric roots, her name was Violeta Parra, her
most known worldwide composition is “Thanks
to life” (Gracias a la vida).
Where can you learn more?
Check them out on their Facebook page as:
Grupo de Folklore Chileno “Violeta Parra”
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Tap
style
Tap dance is called such for the sound that the special
tap shoes make as they hit the ground. Tap shoes have
metal on both the heel and the toe. The noise the dancer
makes with the shoes serves as a form of percussion.
Some form of tap focus on this, and the musicality of
the sounds; this is called Rhythm Tap, which is widely
connected with jazz music. Another form that focus
more on the dance itself is called Broadway Tap, named
so as it is more often performed in musical theatre.
as presented by:
Northwest Tap Connection
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about the performers:
Northwest Tap Connection
Northwest Tap Connection (NWTC) is a race
and social justice oriented organization that
is located in south Seattle. Their mission is to
“Close the Gap” within the Arts for underserved
youth in Washington State through training,
education and enrichment opportunities. They
are dedicated to the holistic education and
artistic development of dancers in the forms
of rhythm tap, modern, ballet, jazz, African and
hip hop. Northwest Tap Connection has been a
community partner with Seattle Theatre Group
and member of the Chicago Human Rhythm
Project since 2003. The studio is owned and
operated by Joseph and Melba Ayco.
Where can you learn more?
Check out their website: http://www.nwtapconnection.org/
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style
Scottish Highland Dance & Music
Scottish Highland dancing is a form of competitive
dance from the Scottish Highlands, and is performed to
Highland bagpipe music. Usually such competitions were
held at the Highland games, which are held in spring and
summer to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture. Dancers
dance on the balls of their feet while wearing special
shoes called “ghillies”, which are similar to ballet shoes.
Highland dancing differs from Scottish Country Dance in
that it is more competitive, and a form of solo dancing
instead of partnering up.
as presented by:
Shelton Highland Dancers and members of
the NW Jr Pipe Band
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about the performers:
Shelton Highland Dancers
and members of the
Northwest Junior Pipe Band
are two of Western Washington’s top award winning
Scottish competition and performance groups. The
Shelton Highland Dancers have placed in U.S., Canadian,
and Scottish Championships. The Northwest Junior
Pipe Band has placed 6th in the World Pipe Band
Championship in Glasglow, Scotland.
Where can you learn more?
Check out their websites: http://nwjpb.org/
http://www.sheltonhighlanddancers.com/
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Indian RAAS and Garba
style
Raas and Garba are both traditional styles of dance
originating in India. Garba is usually performed around a
lit clay lantern that represents life. Dancers often where
very colorful costumes. Both dances are performed in
circles. Garba represents the cycle of time, to celebrate
Durga, the Goddess; whereas Raas simulates a sword
fight between the Goddess and the mighty demonking. In Raas, the dancers hold sticks called dandiyas to
represent the swords of Durga.
as presented by:
UW DangeRAAS Dawgs
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about the performers:
UW DangeRAAS Dawgs
UW DangeRAAS Dawgs was founded in 2009 by
two undergraduate students at the University
of Washington and is the first collegiate Raas
team to represent Seattle, WA. This team
aims to promote the traditional dance forms
of Garba and Raas. Both are folk dances
originating in Gujarat, India and are typically
performed during festivals like Navaratri and
wedding ceremonies. As a team, they strive
to create colorful performances combining
traditional Raas with the newly invented form
of collegiate competitive Raas.
Where can you learn more?
Check out their website:
https://www.facebook.com/UwDangeraasDawgs
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Korean Music and Dance
style
Traditional Korean dances can be represented in various
forms, such as court, folk, ritual, and new traditional
dance. Korean dance shares similarities with other styles
of Korean dances by using contemporary and lyrical
styles. In these types of dances, performers have to
recreate fluid motions that surge through traditional
music that dancers perform to. These dances are
typically performed with traditional drums and flutes.
as presented by:
Morning Star Korean Cultural Center
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about the performers:
Morning Star Korean Cultural Center
Morning Star Korean Dance was founded in
1985 under the director of Jiyeon Cheh with
the purpose of teaching Korean dance, music
and heritage. With the combination of its art
pre-school, library, dance and music classes,
Morning Star serves over 1,000 members
of all ages. Morning Star has been featured
at events throughout the world and is
committed to enriching lives through artistic
expression, educational opportunities, and
cultural appreciation. They proudly serve a
global community to promote awareness and
encourage positive cultural exchange.
Where can you learn more?
Check out their website: www.morningstarkcc.org
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Finale Choreographers
Rex Kinney
Kirsten Barron Kinney
Rex Kinney grew up
in Seattle and was
introduced to hip-hop
at the age of 14. He
has had the pleasure
of performing and
choreographing for
such venues as the
Pacific Northwest
Ballet’s REACH and
DANCE CHANCE
Program, Village
Theater’s King and
I, Seattle Theatre
Group’s “DANCE
This” workshops
and shows, Global
Dance Party at The Moore Theater, Experience
Music Project, Seahawks and Seattle Sonics/Storm
Half-Time shows, Seattle Academy, Kube 93.3 FM’s
Summer Jam Concert on the main stage, opening
for Cypress Hill, choreographer for the music video
“Do You Want Me” by Mion Lee Drew and its west
coast tours, Children’s Hospital Benefit Showcase,
UW Conference for former Governor Gary Locke,
and a guest performer for the Sonics Dance Team.
He is also the current Director and Choreographer
for the Shorecrest High School Dance Team, where
he has coached them to 10 straight District Titles
and 4 WIAA State Dance/Drill Championships in
2006, 2009, 2010, 2013 with a 3rd place ranking
at Nationals in 2007, and National Champions in
2010 and 2012. The Washington State Dance Drill
Coaches Association honored him by awarding him
Coach of the Year in 2011. In addition, he is also
an instructor through Backstage Dance Studio,
Shoreline Parks & Recreation, a Teaching Artist
for STG’s Disney Music In Schools Program, and the
Program Manager for the DANCE This Intensives and
Camps.
Kirsten graduated
cum laude from
the University of
California, Irvine
where she earned
her Bachelor of
Fine Arts degree in
Choreography
While attending UCI,
she continued to work
with Donald Bradburn
one of her mentors,
professor, and artistic
director of Fresno
Ballet as a soloist
in his Nutcracker
production. She was an
original member of Donald McKayle’s modern dance
company Etude Ensemble, working on projects
such as the “Rainbow Etude” with the Dance Legacy
Institute in conjunction with Brown University,
and the DVD “Herby Hancock Presents Living
Jazz”. She explored her focus in performance and
choreography with mentors, Donald McKayle, Janice
Gudde Plastino, and Israel “El” Gabriel. She was the
artistic director of Bare Bones Dance Theatre, a
non-profit student dance company at UCI. Following
graduation she moved to Seattle to begin her career
in dance. In 2006, Kirsten returned to UCI as a guest
choreographer for Bare Bones Dance Theatre and
again as a guest performer for Donald McKayle’s
Tribute in 2009. Kirsten has taught, danced, and
choreographed for many local projects including
guest teacher for Dance Masters of America,
Cornish’s “Summer Prep Program”, STG’s “DANCE
This” Intensives, performed and choreographed for
Westlake Dance Center’s “Sign of the Times”, En L’air,
Greater Seattle Dance Company, Physical Poetry, and
Queensrÿche in their Cabaret-style Rock Concert.
Kirsten currently teaches and is the team director
at Gotta Dance. Dance is Kirsten’s passion. Helping
her students understand the foundation of dance
and the importance of keeping “our instrument”,
our body healthy. In 2001, Kirsten supplemented
her teaching skills with a certification in authentic
Pilates from the Pilates Studio of Seattle (currently
Seattle Pilates International).
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Technical Team
Stage
Manager
Lighting
Designer
Julianna Brei-Crawley is proud to
make her Seattle Theatre Group
début with this production. She
earned her Master’s degree in
Stage Management from the
University of California, Irvine. She
has stage managed shows such as
The Colored Museum, Hansel and
Gretel the opera, Dance Bistro,
and In The Red and Brown Water.
Julianna has worked locally with the
Seattle Opera, the Seattle Children’s
Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre,
Seattle Shakespeare, Whim W’him,
the Athena Theatre Project, and
Vespertine Opera.
Amanda Sweger is lighting and
scenic designer who has worked
as a freelance designer in Chicago
and Philadelphia. She received an
MFA from Northwestern University
in 2011 and a BFA from Webster
Conservatory in 2004. She was
a visiting lecturer at Vanderbilt
University and has been an Assistant
Professor of Theatre at Pacific
Lutheran University for the past two
years. She was the resident scenic
designer at Timber Lake Playhouse
for 5 seasons, and designed with
companies such as The Second City,
TimeLine Theatre, ArcheDream
for Humankind, Mary-Arrchie
Theatre Company, Porchlight
Theatre, InFusion Theatre Company,
Lakewood Playhouse, and many
more. It gives her great pleasure
to have the opportunity to light
such an amazing diversity of dance
talent.
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Activity
1
Risk Level: Low
Grades: K-5
Becoming a Character Through Dance
Many traditional dances from all over the world tell
stories with different animals as the main characters,
such as the Cueca from Chile as you read. Often the
movements are not directly mimicking the animal, but
are more subtle and anthropomorphised. Have students
explore what it’s like to embody a character while
dancing.
• Have each student pick an animal, and come up
with a very short dance as that animal. Remind
them that their movements should resemble a
dance, and not charades (i.e. not standing still and
just using their hands, use their entire body).
• Have each student go up in front of the class,
tell everyone which animal they chose, and
perform. Afterwards, have the class talk
about which movements stuck out to them as
representing that animal, and why.
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Activity
2
Risk Level: Medium
Recognizing Rhythm
Grades: 6-8
It’s easy to recognize a song from it’s lyrics, but what
else sets a song apart and makes it unique? Use this
exercise to explore distinct rhythm patterns in different
songs, or notice similarities and repeated patterns used
be different artists.
• Have each student think of a song in their head.
Go around the class and ask everyone to whisper
what theirs is to you, to make sure that no one
has chosen the same song.
• Go around the class and have each one drum out
the chorus to their song (on their knees, the desk,
whatever they have to use). Have them drum
out a beat to the vocals of the song (feel free to
provide an example using a well known song, such
as a nursery rhyme).
• See if the rest of the class can guess what the
song is just from hearing the beat.
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Activity
3
Risk Level: High
Storytelling through Dance
Grades: 9-12
For years different cultures have used dance as a way to
pass down stories through generations. Use this exercise
as a way to get students to think about movement as a
way of expression, telling a story without words.
• Have students partner up.
• They will each be performing a short interpretive
dance, while the other partner drums on their
desk and provides the “soundtrack”.
• Have each duo go up in front of the class and
improvise a dance that tells the story of what
they did for their most recent birthday, dancing
to the beat of what their partner drums.
• Have the rest of the class try to piece together
the story after watching the dance.
• Alternatively, instead of allowing them to
improvise, provide a short 5-10 minute planning
session for the students to brainstorm ideas for
their piece.
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NEXT HIGHLIGHTED MATINEE
PERFORMANCE
More Music @ The Moore
STG’s More Music @ The Moore is a young
artist development program for selected
young musicians (ages 14-21) representing
diverse music genres. The program provides
young artists training and rehearsal time
with professional musicians, production and
promotional support, and the opportunity
to perform at a professional venue, The
Moore Theatre. Artists are selected through
an audition process. For more information
check out: http://www.stgpresents.org/
education/more-music
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT
Vicky Lee
Director of Education & Performance Programs
Sarah Loritz
Community Programs Manager
Marisol Sanchez-Best
Education Programs Manager
Marita Phelps
Education & Community Programs Coordinator
Shawn Roberts
AileyCamp Director & Dance for PD Program
Manager
Yoshiko Ueda
Education Intern
Katrina Driscoll
UPCOMING STUDENT
MATINEES
Education Intern
www.stgpresents.org/education
Silent Film Era Matinee
Mon., Feb. 22, 11 am
The Paramount Theatre
Interested in a hands-on arts
experience for students at your
school or organization?
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Lecture/Demonstration
Fri., April. 15, 11 am
The Moore Theatre
STG offers one-day workshops or
week long residencies in cultural
and contemporary dance, theatre
and music with Northwest based
artists. Available for all ages.
More Music @ The Moore
Fri., May 6, 11 am
The Moore Theatre
DANCE This
Fri., July 8, 1 pm
The Moore Theatre
RSVP a matinee or student
workshop at http://www.
stgpresents.org/education/
student-programs or by emailing
[email protected].
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